Pre-09/16: The True History of the Conquest of New Spain

What is the Massacre at Cholula

a preemptive Spanish attack on the city Cholula

why did the Spanish attack the city of Cholula

they believed the Aztecs, led by Moctezuma were going to ambush and sacrifice the Spanish forces

How did the Spanish become aware of the “Aztec Plot” to be ambushed and sacrificed

by two local priests, and old woman who wanted to save Dona Marina, and Cempoalan/Tlaxcalan allies

Why was the thought process for the Spanish to Massacre Cholula after finding out about the “Aztec Plot”?

Cortes wanted to punish and deter them from future treachery

How did Cortes accomplish the massacre of Cholula?

lulls them into a false sense of security by requesting 2,000 warriors for his journey, then uses a musket shot to signal the launch on the city

Who are Tlaxcalan warriors to the Cholulas

longstanding enemies, helped Cortes ambush the Cholulas

What does Cortes do after the massacre?

appoints a new governor and forces the remaining citizens to return to normal

Tenochtitlan

the Aztec Capital, beautiful

How does Moctezuma welcome Cortes

with a great ceremony

how is Moctezuma portrayed

powerful, dignified, and generous ruler

What is the role of Dona Marina

the interpreter between Cortes and Moctezuma who urges Moctezuma to accept Christianity and abandon his own Gods

Templo Mayor

when the Spanish first see the evidence of human sacrifice

What do the Spanish discover about Moctezuma that makes them want to him prisoner

his gold and riches